We were honoured to be trusted once again by the LGBTQ+ community to design a second retirement home, a space shaped entirely around identity and comfort rather than convention. The residents envisioned an atmosphere that felt dark, grounded and intimate, a deliberate departure from the neutral environments often associated with later-life living. The design embraces mood and personality, proving that retirement spaces do not need to be quiet or anonymous to feel safe and supportive. Our challenge was to translate that vision into a smart, functional home. Alongside the expressive interior language, we integrated technology and spatial planning that support independence, accessibility and ease of living. Balancing atmosphere with practicality became central to the project. The result is a home that reflects its residents with honesty: confident, personal and deeply human. It stands as a reminder that good design adapts to people, and that identity does not fade with age. Projects like this expand expectations and we value the opportunity to explore design beyond traditional boundaries.